Festa di San Lorenzo al Santuario di Guanzate
The Great Bonfire of Saint Lawrence's Night at the Sanctuary of Guanzate
About Festa di San Lorenzo
Saint Lawrence's Night in Brianza
The Festa di San Lorenzo at the Santuario di Guanzate, in the province of Como, is one of the most evocative events of the Brianza summer. Every August 10th, the sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna of San Lorenzo celebrates the deacon and martyr Lawrence with a solemn festival that combines religious devotion with a spectacular tradition passed down for decades, capable of attracting faithful and pilgrims from Como, Cantù, and all of Brianza.
The Great Bonfire
The most anticipated moment is the Great Bonfire of San Lorenzo. In the evening, a ball of fire is lowered from the sanctuary's bell tower and ignites a large pile of wood, creating a spectacular bonfire. It is a ritual full of charm, blending the religious dimension with the popular one, and each year it gathers a large crowd around the sanctuary, with the night sky of San Lorenzo's night as a backdrop.
A Centuries-Old Tradition
Alongside the bonfire, the festival includes a three-day preparation period, the rosary along the avenue of chapels, and the solemn Mass with the lighting of the globe. The Festa di San Lorenzo is an integral part of the identity of Guanzate and its sanctuary, a Marian pilgrimage destination for over five centuries, and represents one of the moments when the community gathers around a heritage of faith and traditions that time has not diminished.
Festa di San Lorenzo — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festa di San Lorenzo at the Sanctuary of Guanzate takes place on Monday, August 10th, preceded by the three-day preparation (Tuesday, August 7th, Wednesday, August 8th, and Thursday, August 9th at 4:30 PM, with Rosary, litany of saints, and blessing). On August 10th, at 8:15 AM the Rosary along the avenue of chapels, at 8:45 AM the solemn Mass with the lighting of the globe, and at 9:30 PM the highlight: the Great Bonfire of San Lorenzo, with the ball of fire lowered from the bell tower to ignite the pile of wood.
Programme Festa di San Lorenzo 2026
Three-day preparation
- Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8, and Thursday 9 August, 4:30 PM — Rosary, litany of saints, and blessing
Monday, August 10, 2026 — San Lorenzo
- 8:15 AM — Rosary along the avenue of chapels
- 8:45 AM — Solemn Mass with lighting of the globe
- 9:30 PM — Great Bonfire of San Lorenzo (ball of fire from the bell tower)
Highlights Festa di San Lorenzo 2026
The Great Evening Bonfire with the ball of fire lowered from the bell tower and the solemn Mass with the lighting of the globe.
Prices Festa di San Lorenzo 2026
Practical information — Festa di San Lorenzo
How to get there
Guanzate is located in Brianza, between Como and Cantù. The Sanctuary is reachable by car; the festival attracts pilgrims from all over the Como area.
When
August 10th. Three-day preparation on August 7th, 8th, and 9th at 4:30 PM. On August 10th: Rosary at 8:15 AM, solemn Mass with lighting of the globe at 8:45 AM, Great Bonfire at 9:30 PM.
Information
Organized by the Pastoral Community of Saint Benedict the Abbot. Free admission.
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Where does it take place — Festa di San Lorenzo
Santuario di Guanzate
Santuario di San Lorenzo, 22070 Guanzate